Teller Don Mahnke, former area manager Carolyn Lancour, Southridge area manager Ray Guardiola, teller Debbie Hahm, Forest Home universal banker Kim Dane, and Southridge teller supervisor Kelly Doucette celebrated with Marie (at center with short hair — but not for long!) at Vintage 38.

A year after starting the treatment, Marie Cruz is elated to announce she has completed chemotherapy for breast cancer.

“I feel like I won the fight,” the Greendale assistant branch manager says. “I am super excited now that my hair is growing back. I get a lot of compliments about it being short, but I want my long hair back.”

She celebrated the milestone with colleagues and friends at Vintage 38 in Greendale.

As is often the case with cancer, it’s hard to say for sure if the disease is eradicated. Marie is taking it day by day.

“My outlook right now is trying to get back to ‘normal,’ whatever that might be. I want to wake up not in pain, not tired, and to feel good. I will start with that as being back to ‘normal.’ It’s still one day at a time and a lot of praying,” she says. “My doctors are concerned that the cancer can return, so they have put in place a few preventative measures. I will be getting a monthly shot, and then every six months I need to have a medicine called Zometa, so that if the cancer comes back, it won’t attack my bones and spread.”

She notes that her co-workers continue to help her, and that she welcomes thoughts, prayers, and good vibes. “Everyone has been amazing. I am blessed to have a lot of support.”